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Bungay to Geldeston via Earsham, Ditchingham and Ellingham

With its quiet roads, beautiful countryside and largely flat landscape, the Norfolk Broads are perfect for cycling. In recent years, there’s been a lot of investment in local bike routes and there’s now a fantastic choice of long and short distance rides to choose from.

One of our favourite routes takes you from the pretty market town of Bungay to the historic village of Geldeston. Along the way, you’ll pass through some beautiful Broads countryside and characterful Norfolk villages. To help get you in the cycling mood, we’re taking a closer look at the route and everything it has to offer.

RouteThis broadly circular route begins at Outney Common, just on the edge of Bungay. Leave your car in the Common car park or find alternative parking nearby. From there, cross under the A143 and turn right onto the Earsham Dam. Continue straight for a kilometre or two before turning right under the main road and heading north towards Ditchingham.

Cycle south from Ditchingham back towards the A143 and turn left along the bike path that runs parallel with the road. When you reach Ellingham Mill and Lock, you can opt to turn back towards Bungay or continue on to Geldeston Lock.

DifficultyAltogether, this route runs for 12 miles and should take you around two hours to complete. Although largely flat, some sections of the ride are on the road so it may not be suitable for younger cyclists.

FacilitiesThere are several pubs, shops and cafes dotted along the route. In Bungay, you’ll find a number of places to stock up on supplies. If you get thirsty as soon as you set off, you can stop for a drink in nearby Earsham. You’ll also find a choice of welcoming drinking holes in the village of Geldeston.

Points of interestAs you’d expect from a cycle through the Norfolk Broads, there are lots of things to see along the way. Before you set off, you can take a stroll around the pretty Outney Common and spot some of the rich wildlife that can be found there.

Just as you turn right off the Norwich Road towards Ditchingham, you can take a short detour to the south where you’ll find a fantastic viewpoint. This looks out over the local wetlands and is the perfect place to spot wildlife.

Stop to admire St Mary’s Church in Ditchingham. The church, which has close links to Ryder Haggard, author of King Solomon’s Mines, is a great place to learn a little more about local history.

The next sight you’ll see is Ellingham Mill and Lock. The beautiful wooden building was once used to mill flour and still has water flowing through it. In nearby Geldeston, you’ll find another historic lock. Located next to the Locks Inn, a pub first licensed in the 1600s, it’s the perfect place for a pit stop.

If this has got you excited about cycling round the Norfolk Broads, you’ll find plenty more information on our site. Take a look around today to find out more.